Loneliness can come in many forms. You may feel isolated or feel you have little importance in other people's lives.

Everyone experiences loneliness from time to time. It comes in many forms.

It often arises when you have little contact with people but it can also occur when you feel you have little importance or value in other people's lives. Sometimes you may feel lonely when the people you are with see things very differently from you.

If you feel lonely for a long time it can bring with it a deep and long-term feeling that everything is useless. You may also feel separate or different from everyone else.

Loneliness and depression seem to be very closely linked and can be confused. Depression can also bring about feelings of loneliness. If you feel overwhelmed with loneliness or depression, get help now.

Remember you are not alone and that help is available.

Stressed and anxious

Major life changes or a combination of seemingly less significant events can lead to stress and anxiety.

Stress is not an illness itself, but it can cause serious illness if it isn't addressed.

People may become stressed and experience severe anxiety as a result of one major life change or through a combination of different and perhaps less significant experiences.

It's important to recognise the signs and symptoms of stress and anxiety early. These can include:

• irritability

• dizziness and headaches

• problems sleeping

• dry mouth

• changes in your eating habits

• low self esteem

• problems concentrating

• temper outbursts

• muscle tension and pain

• tearful episodes

Recognising these signs will help you figure out ways of coping and save you from adopting unhealthy coping methods, such as drinking or smoking.

It's always better to open up and speak about your anxieties or stresses sooner rather than later. Don't bottle things up and wait for the problems to get worse.

A good place to start is by contacting your Local Services. They are there to listen.

Suicidal

Issues relating to suicide or suicidal thoughts may be a concern.

Remember suicide is preventable. Whether it is you or whether you are concerned about someone else, you are not alone and you can get help now.

Don’t try to cope alone. Call a helpline or speak to someone you trust.

You are not a bad person, weak, or flawed because you feel suicidal. It doesn't even mean that you really want to die – it only means that you have more pain than you can cope with right now.

Most people at some point in their lives will have a suicidal thought but for the majority this will be a fleeting or at least short-lived experience.

It's okay to feel the way you are feeling now and there are people around who can help you.

If you are feeling suicidal:

1. Talk to someone - talking to a family member, friend or colleague can bring huge relief.

2. Talk to a helpful advisor – by phoning in complete confidence and anonymity a helpline such as Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or Samaritans on 116 123.

3. Talk to your doctor – if you are going through a longer period of feeling low or suicidal, you may be suffering from clinical depression. If your GP surgery is closed and it can't wait, call NHS 24 on 111.

4. Talk to your mental healthcare team – where a psychiatrist, psychologist or community psychiatric nurse will be available.

5. Contact emergency services – are you at high risk at this time of killing yourself? Do you have a plan and the means to complete suicide? If so, call 999 right now.